CENTS University: Get an A in Business

CENTS University: Get an A in BusinessThe Midwests largest green exposition business arm plans to help
attendees and exhibitors get an A in green family business​

As the nations parents send their children off to school, a different kind of educational programming is underway at the Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS Marketplace). The CENTS business arm, CENTS University, is offering new sessions in its robust educational initiative-largely considered to be one of the nations best of its kind-focused on business and family, to ensure that owners and their progeny know what to do when the mantle changes hands.

CENTS University to school family business owners by answering questions like: How do I sell my business to my kid?

Planning for business growth and new ownership is rough in the green industry because the selling season is so demanding, explains Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, which hosts the regional convention. Were excited to see young men and women entering the green business arena, and want to smooth the transition by helping families cover all the relevant bases.

According to Gaebler.coms Resources for Entrepreneurs, U.S. family-owned
businesses (green and otherwise) are 50% of the U.S. GDP and account for 78% of new jobs, yet only one-third of those businesses make it to the next generation successfully. The CENTS University family business courses are among many sessions targeting key green business themes in finance, operations and sales/ marketing.

Our CENTS University business sessions have grown exponentially each year
because exhibiting and attending the conference is an efficient and expedient way to become educated on key green business trends and issues, explains Thompson.

To be able to attend, of course, business owners need to commit to a presence now and begin mapping out a strategy.

According to ONLAs 2012-2013 research findings, CENTS Marketplace has been identified as one of the best ways to jumpstart sales each year, and CENTS University is one of its fastest-growing programs. Aimed at helping industry players finesse their businesses, courses typically cover operations, finance, marketing and sales, and digital and social media. Approximately 8,000 attendees and some 400 exhibiting companies invest their time in CENTS business and nursery education programs, groundbreaking authors and speakers, and powerful commercial and networking opportunities which educate, engage and inspire each year.

About CENTS
Slated for January 13-15, 2014 at The Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, CENTS Marketplace is a regional convention with national presence and a local flavor. The convention draws growers, independent garden centers, landscape contractors, arborists, turf, and pest management professionals who seek a national industry show for industry people. CENTS creates a high-energy forum where attendees can buy, sell,
learn and meet. CENTS goes beyond the green side of the business to the business side of the business, to help the industry prosper with inspiration and fresh thinking. For more information, call (800) 825-5062 or visit www.centsmarketplace.com. Digital photos are available.